Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he can do so.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for left hip osteoarthritis and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, a cervical spine condition diagnosed as osteoarthritis and C6-C7 broad-based disc bulge with moderate-severe right neuroforaminal narrowing (claimed as neuropathy), and chronic right chest wall pain, all secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of fracture of right clavicle.,The Board found that there is a reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran for each condition granted.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, which is found to be caused by his service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent and no higher, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection has been granted for major depressive disorder secondary to service-connected PTSD.,Joint pain (bilateral knee osteoarthritis), neck disorder (cervical spine arthritis), and back disorder (lumbar spine arthritis) have not met the criteria for service connection as they are not shown to be related to service or within one year of separation from service.,Left ankle disorder, vision disorder (refractive error of the eye), bilateral hearing loss, shortness of breath, and sleep disorder have not been established as service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Heart disorder has not met the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for right shoulder osteoarthritis and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease due to incomplete examination reports. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are being evaluated again.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder, as secondary to his service-connected right knee disorder. The decision also grants service connection for posttraumatic osteoarthritis of both hands and fingers, but denies service connection for a neck disorder.

The Veteran's back condition is granted service connection. The appeal for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. Service connection for respiratory problems due to environmental hazards in the Gulf War is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the hands and feet, and bilateral hand degenerative arthritis due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for compression fracture and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.,Service connection was denied as there is no evidence that any of these conditions began during active service or are otherwise linked to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the right hip, a compensable rating for right hip limitation of flexion, a compensable rating for right hip limitation of extension, and to a TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of left knee degenerative arthritis and lateral meniscus tear, left knee subluxation, right knee degenerative arthritis and patellofemoral syndrome, right knee meniscal tear, post-operative with instability, bilateral knee arthroplasty scars, and entitlement to a TDIU. The case is being remanded for the following actions: obtaining outstanding VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and addressing the issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of left knee degenerative arthritis and lateral meniscus tear, left knee subluxation, right knee degenerative arthritis and patellofemoral syndrome, right knee meniscal tear, post-operative with instability, bilateral knee arthroplasty scars, and entitlement to a TDIU. The case is being remanded for the following actions: obtaining outstanding VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and addressing any denial of claims.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examination for assessing the severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities, specifically left and right knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patella.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete procedures and will address all issues once a Statement of the Case is issued.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left heel/foot disability, osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy in both lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it was caused by fear of hostile military activity during service. The right shoulder and bilateral elbow disabilities are denied due to lack of evidence showing in-service injury or manifestation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's left ankle fracture residuals are related to his in-service injury.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's left hip disability, finding that it was not incurred in or due to his time in service.

The Board has denied an increased rating for carpal tunnel syndrome, right hand and remanded the issue of a higher rating for cervical degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated based on their current severity.